1. Highlights For Readers

2. Ch. 1: Approach to Improving Executive Project Sponsorship
Defines executive project sponsor and executive project sponsorship
Covered in Chapter 1
Holistic approach for building improvement plan
Evolution of role from ancient to modern thinking
Organization must tailor its approach
Chapter overviews

3. Book Approach Each chapter ends
Looks holistically at linkages and interdependencies between components of sponsorship program and organization as a whole
Written from executive, tactical, strategic, and operational viewpoints
Each chapter ends
Discussion questions
Considerations for project management offices and project managers

4. Evolution of Executive Sponsorship
Traces the evolution from ancient to modern thinking about sponsor roles and responsibilities
Origins of executive sponsorship
Modern conceptualization of the role
Current thinking on roles and responsibilities
GAPPS (Global Alliance for Project Performance Standards)¹
Today’s expectations for sponsors

5. An Organization Must Tailor Its Approach
There is no right or wrong way to implement
Environmental factors must be considered
Build support for this role early
Secret lies in not overcomplicating
5-step assessment process provides framework for building and improving a successful program

6. Overview of Chapters
2. Executive sponsorship matters 3. Cultural influences on executive sponsorship 4. Importance of project management standards 5. Desirable executive sponsor characteristics 6. Sponsor readiness 7. Roadmap to organizational preparedness 8. A plan to enhance executive sponsorship 9. Summary

7. Ch. 2: Executive Sponsorship Matters
Explains the importance of executive sponsorship and how executive sponsorship improvement programs increase the chances of project success
Covered in Chapter 2:
Executive sponsors improve project visibility
Leadership development
Executive sponsorship encourages investment in project management

8. Sponsors Improve Project Visibility
When a project is on senior management’s radar, the likelihood of project success increases because visible projects are more likely to get the resources and priority needed
How to prioritize projects for executive sponsorship
How to assign sponsors to emerging projects

9. Leadership Development
All projects require effective sponsorship and are opportunities for skill and career development
The sponsorship role can be leveraged
To refine an executive’s leadership skills
Assist potential leaders to learn through doing
Help project managers build a trusting relationship with upper-level management

10. Encourages Investment in Project Management
Research shows executive sponsorship engagement can help keep project management value forefront in senior management’s mind to encourage sustained investment
Research results summary shared

11. Summary Executive Sponsorship Matters
Provides visibility to key projects to ensure alignment with strategic goals and encourage allocation of necessary resources
Offers mechanism for developing leadership skills in executives and future leaders
Encourages investment in project management